Best iPhone for 2021: Which of Apple’s 8 phones is right for you? – CNET [CNET]

In 2021, Apple released four new iPhone 13 models, all of which include a number of significant upgrades like new cameras, bigger batteries, more storage and brighter screens. The iPhone 13 lineup is a delightful upgrade to last year’s already wonderful iPhone 12 family. Including the four iPhone 13 models, Apple currently sells a total of eight variants, ranging in price from $399 for the iPhone SE to $1,599 for the iPhone 13 Pro Max with 1TB of storage.

Apple’s iPhone lineup used to be simple. When Steve Jobs announced the original iPhone over 14 years ago, there was just one phone, exclusively available on AT&T. The only decision you had in 2007 was whether you wanted 4 or 8GB of storage.

Today, there’s an iPhone for pretty much everyone. Miss the home button? Then, check out the iPhone SE. Like the iPhone 13 design, but not its price? Consider last year’s iPhone 12 and 12 Mini. Want a small phone with a good battery life? Then the iPhone 13 Mini is a must. And what about the two-year-old iPhone 11, is it still worth it? In short, yes.

To complicate your decision, some iPhones have two cameras, others three and others four (including the front-facing selfie camera). There’s also the fact that nearly every current iPhone model has Face ID except one: the iPhone SE. Having a lot of options isn’t bad, but can feel overwhelming when buying a new iPhone.

To help you figure out which is the best iPhone for you, I thoroughly reviewed and tested each one on this list, from their batteries to camera performance. I included current iPhone prices, though iPhone deals are known to happen, so don’t assume your only option is paying full price. Also, this best iPhone list is based off current models that Apple sells. If you’re shopping around, you might notice that carriers and third-party sellers offer discontinued models, like the iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max. 

Also, if you’re looking for an Android phone or another smartphone outside of Apple’s offerings, read our guide to help find the best phone for your needs.